Scots Whay Hae!

For the latest SWH! podcast, Ali caught up with Sorcha Dallas, the custodian of the Alasdair Gray Archive, to talk about the plans for Gray Day, which is the 25th February 2021 - the 40th anniversary of the publication of Alasdair's debut novel 'Lanark', a book which had a profound impact on Scotland's literature and culture. They talk about the day itself and what's happening to mark it, the wide-range of people involved, the 'Lanark' readings which have been posted in the run up to the 25th, the 'Gray Matters' podcasts which will be available on the day and beyond, the Alasdair Gray Archive itself, and a whole lot more. They also share some personal memories of Alasdair, and discuss why his work is so iconic. If you want to know more go to - thealasdairgrayarchive.org

For the latest SWH! podcast Ali caught up with filmmaker, DJ, and comic book creator Etienne Kubwabo to talk about 'Beats of War' his comic book series which is so much more. The two discuss the inspiration behind the book, the importance of place and why Etienne wants to put Scotland on the page, and hopefully on the screen, the influences from his own life that came together to create the characters and stories told, the musical side to the project, the importance of collaboration in all his work, his experience of Scottish culture, his hopes and dreams for what is to come, and a whole lot more. It's a fascinating chat with a man who creates his art across different genres and forms. To learn more go to https://mileawayfilms.com/product/beats-of-war-comic-book/

For the latest SWH! podcast Ali spoke to Young Adult author Ross Sayers about his latest novel 'Daisy on the Outer Line', as well as his previous work 'Mary's the Name' and 'Sonny and Me' (all published by the YA publisher Cranachan). Ross is one of our favourite writers, and there are none better writing in the field of YA fiction today. It's a fascinating conversation about finding the voice, language, getting "into character", the challenges when writing a time travel plot, and a whole lot more.

For the latest podcast Ali caught up with writer and performer Alan Bissett, who was one of our earliest podcast guests back in 2011. That was the year of his last novel 'Pack Men' and the two talk about his first book of published prose since, the novella 'Lazy Susan'. They discuss the character of Susie 'Q' Martin, the return to writing fiction, the novella as a format, the book's inventive structure, the relationship between author and reader, new ways to tell old stories, and so much more. It's a fascinating chat with one of Scotland's finest writers, and there's also the bonus of readings from Alan (as God!) and Rosalind Watt as 'Lazy Susan'.

The latest podcast is all about the forthcoming Paisley Book Festival, and Ali spoke to co-producer Keira Brown and writer-in-residence Imogen Stirling all about the festival, the necessary move to online, the theme of 'Radical New Futures', and a whole lot more. Keira talks us through the programme, and how people can get involved, and Imogen explains her role and some of the workshops she is running, and the events she has created. It's the perfect introduction to what promises to be a one of the must attend events of 2021.

For full details go to paisleybookfest.com

For the first SWH! podcast of 2021 Ali spoke to writer David F. Ross about his latest novel 'There's Only One Danny Garvey' (out now, published by Orenda Books). The two try to avoid all spoilers as they talk about the inspiration behind the book, and Danny himself, as well as the setting of Scottish junior football, a different approach to writing this time around, the importance of music and mixtapes to the plot, and a whole lot more. It's always a pleasure to catch up with David, and we think this podcast kicks off the new year in fine style!

This is a bonus podcast for the end of this difficult year. During Lockdown 1 Ali recorded podcasts with his brother Andy to discuss their favourite albums from the 1980s to the last decade, which you can still find at scotswhayhae.com. Recently they got together once again to discuss their cultural year, and the things which have helped them through the last 12 months. They talk books, music, podcasts, art, anniversaries, festivals, opera, literary giants, ghosts, beer, the comfort of nostalgia, and more. This is our last podcast of 2020 so we wish all our listeners the very best over the festive period, and that you have a great 2021.

The final podcast for this year is our roundup of the Best Music of 2020, where Ali is joined by Richard Bull, the producer of BBC Radio Scotland's Roddy Hart Show. They each pick 10 releases to talk about, but take a few detours and diversions along the way. We hope you enjoy their musical memories of the past 12 months, and find something of enough interest to investigate further.

For the latest SWH! podcast Ali spoke to artists Frances Macdonald and Ross Ryan about their current exhibition at The Scottish Gallery in Edinburgh. Frances and Ross are mother and son, so the exhibition's title of A Family Affair is apt. They explain their working methods, how the were first drawn to art, how they approached this collaborative exhibition, the importance of their home in Argyll in their work, (specifically Crinan where the family run the Crinan Hotel) and the local islands, and their differing approaches to capturing and portraying the natural world. They also describe how they view each other's work, style, and technique, and working during the strange year of 2020.

In the year when cinemas were closed for most of it, and films schedules were pushed back to who knows when, you might think it would be tough to talk about the Best Films of 2020 for any length of time. Well think again, as Chris, Wesley, and Ali reunite for their annual chat about their favourite movies of the past 12 months. Picking five each, they share their enthusiasm for films you may have missed first time around, and we're sure you'll find something to tickle your fancy.